Feb. 11, 2025
Amid industry expansion, rapid change and newly emerging threats, NBAA opened its three-day 2025 International Operators Conference (IOC2025) Feb. 11 in San Juan, PR, with an exciting lineup of global business aviation experts and unmatched networking opportunities.
This year’s theme, “Changes in Latitude, Changes in Altitude,” underscored the annual event’s unparalleled value for attendees wanting the latest updates regarding safety, increasing security and maintaining excellence in global operations.
Education sessions planned at the conference include some of the industry’s most knowledgeable, informed and experienced authorities on topics such as GPS hacking and cybersecurity, targeted fees and changes in international rules and regulations.
In his keynote address, Mark McIntyre, NBAA board member and co-founder at Mente LLC, said the annual event has helped the overall industry, in addition to enriching the expertise of countless attendees.
“IOC has given me the knowledge, skills and resources that allow me to navigate challenges, anticipate issues and identify gaps to make sure we provide our passengers with safe, efficient and predictable international travel to many locations,” McIntyre said.
IOC Sessions Focus on Timely Information
Seven unique education sessions will focus on critical regions of the world, including Asia, Africa and the Oceanic, where well-timed information is imperative to maintaining safe and effective operations.
The issue of mental health management, a topic driving substantial change from FAA’s aeromedical policy leadership, also is on the packed agenda.
“We’ve all seen a lot of changes in the industry – massive changes,” McIntyre said, “But I really think one of the greatest improvements has been the recognition of fatigue as a major challenge and industry efforts to mitigate it. Now, there are so many great tools out there to fight fatigue and manage it and to look ahead on a schedule and identify when it’s going to be a risk.”
Also, the evolving business landscape often requires aviation managers to implement sustainable practices, sometimes with little guidance or support. An IOC session offers several useful tools, including NBAA’s emissions calculator, to help operators plan their sustainability strategies.
A rising challenge for international operators is GPS spoofing or jamming along with concerns about cybersecurity.
“With increasing reports of GPS interference globally, it’s critical for international operators to be prepared with mitigation strategies,” said Laura Everington, NBAA director, flight operations and regulations. “Subject matter experts are on-site here at IOC2025, not only presenting a comprehensive briefing to attendees, but also answering questions and providing guidance on various scenarios.”
View the full conference program schedule.
Learn more about the 2025 International Operators Conference.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.